Prosecution for Tommy

Prosecution for Tommy

A very important phase in the trial of Tommy Soeharto peaked last week when prosecutors sought a 15-year jail term for the youngest son of former president Soeharto.

He was charged with masterminding the killing of Justice Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, while his hitmen -- Maulawarman and Noval Hadad -- have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Comparing the two, why was only 15 years sought for the "intellectual actor" when he could have been given a death sentence, life sentence or 20 years in prison.

The judge will decide on the case. His task will not be easy.

We do hope nothing will influence the judge in making an unjust sentence.

Tommy, meanwhile, still has the right to appeal or seek clemency. But if everything else fails, he has to serve his sentence. His decision to evade an earlier 18-month jail term shows his irresponsibility. He still has to serve that sentence.

-- Republika, Jakarta